My team and I stayed on the beach in Tel Aviv. It was an amazing location, we were on the beach as soon as we stepped out the back door, and were treated with the sun setting over the Mediterranean Sea each night.
Opening ceremonies for the Maccabiah games, (Jewish Olympics) was an amazing experience. We walked into the stadium with the US delegation of over 900 athletes, the largest there aside from Israel of course, and there were over 25,000 people filling the stands cheering, waving flags, and supporting everyone. A huge show followed, including speeches by the president who of course urged us all to move to Israel. 
Another day trip, this time to the Sea Of Gaile. Fed by the Jordan river, this the birthplace of Mary, and nearby towns of Nazareth and Bethlehem obviously have significant historical implications. We drove down and spent the day on the beach, swimming, boating, and kayaking.
Photo with our Guide, I was doing the job of holding up the map at this point- as discussed some border issues.
Masada, one of my favorite places in all of Israel. Built high above the Dead Sea, it was the last outpost of Jewish resistance for fleeing Zealots after the Roman sacking of Jerusalem in AD 66. It is an incredible work of design, considering it is on the top of a mountain, in the middle of the desert, over 2000 years old, and they were able to design a system to bring fresh water to the top for drinking and bathing.
The Dead Sea. The lowest point on Earth. The water is incredibly, incredibly salty, which causes you to float. You simply cannot sink in the Dead Sea, and as you can see in the photo everyone is just simply floating. It is a very cool experience, although quite painful if you have scratches or cuts! Also, you do not want to get it in your eyes, which happened right before this picture was taken!
My first Camel!
Old Jerusalem. I thought the ruins in Peru were old, we are now talking about ruins that our 1,000's of years old. Something that was built three to four thousands years ago and is still around and functional is just simply baffling. The old city is beautiful with many walls and structures still intact.
This is a picture of the Western Wall (or wailing Wall) a very religious sight. Built about 2,000 years ago it is the only remaining piece of an old temple that was destroyed and is now the sight of thousands of visitors daily, who come to express their grief and to pra. Many slip written prayers into the cracks of the walls, as these are supposed to have a better chance of being answered.
A couple Israeli friends that I have made.
A couple of pictures of our game against Finland. We needed to win this game to advance out of group, but despite the win we still came up short of advancing because of goal differential. We beat England in a exhibition match. Beat Estonia. Lost to Argentina and Brazil. This picture is one of the four goals I scored in the game against Finland.
This is where the term "breaking someones ankles" comes from. Notice his left foot. Not a good idea to try to guard me.
Team photo before one of the games.
